Help with the board.

[WakingMeHappy]

I think it’s because I grew up on water skies I just can’t seem to get the hang of wakeboard boots facing the side verses being in-line like a water ski. I try to go out to the left (my right foot is in front) so I can get better speed and control coming back into the wake. My problem comes into play just as I get outside the wake. I just get wobbly as it fells like I’m turned backwards. In a way I guess I am as my toes are tuned away from the boat but I want to turn my body toward the boat. As long as I can make it out of the wake, coming back in I’m OK. Would there be anything “wrong” with lining the boots with the board so both feet face forward like they do on a water ski? It might make it a little harder to get pulled out of the water but I need control in moving out of the wake.

[MalibuNation]

I'm with you brother - long time skier ... though I'm making slow progress on the wakeboard. I'm now trying to "get some air" and would like to completely jump the wake by season's end.

[srud]

The big thing to remember when you're riding is to keep the handle on your lead hip. Once you let that handle get in front of your belly button, a face plant is soon to follow. I started the same way as I had skied my entire life and found the wakeboard to be really, really awkward.

The basic stance is with the lead leg more or less straight, back leg slightly bent, back straight, upper body turned such that your shoulders are facing the boat. Take a look at some video (youtube is a good source) of the better wakeboarders and take note of their stance and position on the board. Then take your board and put it on at home and try to mimic their position when just riding. You might even want to get your rope out too so you can get the handle on the lead hip. By all means, keep at it, it get's easier.

I would recommend keeping your bindings set so they are symetrical. Left and right both set toe out equally. That way you'll eventually be able to ride switch easier.

There are a number of really good instructional DVDs available. The first disk in The Book series is very good.

[cyoda44]

Foot position is a matter of balance. when you jump off of something... how do your feet land? Normally shoulder length apart and both feet facing forward. If you have your feet inline how can you ride fakie?

I have found the best way to find the best foot placement is to stand still and bend down and try to pick up something without moving your feet.

[CedarLakeSkier]

If you're going out to your left and you're RFF you are cutting out on your toe side. This is awkward at first, no doubt (as is riding switch, in your case LFF).

You kind of alluded to the problem, "In a way I guess I am as my toes are tuned away from the boat but I want to turn my body toward the boat."

You do have to twist, but you may be overdoing it. It's hard to say without seeing you. The previous suggestion was a good one, watch some video. Remember if someone is LFF it will be a cut out to the right that you want to look at.

To be honest, once I got this correct it actually helped me with my slalom off side (this is the same type of cut).

With all of that said, I still have a problem going toe side into the wake (jumping it). I get thrown way out of balance once I pop the wake this way.

[Michigan boarder]

I ride the same way, right foot in front. Try letting go with your left hand for a bit, and just use your right hand only. Doing this will help you feel the tension necessary on your left hand to keep your body turned in the right direction. You will start to feel that, even when you put your left hand back on the handle, if you start to turn toes towards the stern to reduce tension with your left hand and you will straighten yourself back out. After a while, it's second nature, and you'll have equal tension on both hands. But definitely don't move those bindings, learn the right way. As srud said, keep them symmetrical too.

[bobofthenorth]

Stand up & push your hips up to the handle just the same as you would on the ski - that will take out the wobble. And I'm sorry, but don't ride with your front leg boned out straight. That's a huge beginner mistake. You need to have relatively equal weight on both feet or maybe a little more on the front foot and there is no way you can do that with your back leg bent and your front leg straight. Concentrate on even weight on your feet and keeping your hips up and it will steady out for you. The advice to let go with one hand is excellent - do that and focus on body position at the same time.

[johnsvt]

Handle to lead hip and athletic position...unless your relaxing then bone away.

[WakingMeHappy]

I think it’s because I grew up on water skies I just can’t seem to get the hang of wakeboard boots facing the side verses being in-line like a water ski. I try to go out to the left (my right foot is in front) so I can get better speed and control coming back into the wake. My problem comes into play just as I get outside the wake. I just get wobbly as it fells like I’m turned backwards. In a way I guess I am as my toes are tuned away from the boat but I want to turn my body toward the boat. As long as I can make it out of the wake, coming back in I’m OK. Would there be anything “wrong” with lining the boots with the board so both feet face forward like they do on a water ski? It might make it a little harder to get pulled out of the water but I need control in moving out of the wake.

OK, Thanks Crew!!! We hit the lake today for a couple of quick run. I read and reread this thread and applied what everyone said. Guess what? No more wobble!!! I was able to move in and out of the wake with no problem. And while I didn’t go WTW I made it about ¾ the way across. Man, what a great day.